Chapter 132: A Solid Villainess Move

Chapter 132: A Solid Villainess Move

Few people could tell the difference between religious orders through their clothing. Even those who were clergy couldnt always identify the subtle differences in the clothing of various Belcoy orders, let alone laymen.

Yet the young woman had boldly spoke out and not only identified the head priest escorting him to Horizon, but repeated the core values of that order. The confrontation that couldve happened suddenly waned with her loud, but seemingly innocent question.

And Constantine couldnt help but smile.

Though he didnt know who she was at the time, he would later discover that that was his first brush with Victoria de Guevera.

He hadnt known she was a fellow student at Lyce du Soleil until he saw her from across the auditorium. She had been with Ilyana then. Two beautiful young women together drew many peoples attention, but more so because Tori was somewhat infamous.

Had she bought her way into Lyce? Constantine had doubted it. Perhaps it was because he had met her before he heard of her that his opinion of her had not been twisted by rumors. It was unfortunate that they were in different classes and dorms. Catching a glimpse of her had been particularly rare.

A thought had crossed his mind: maybe she was avoiding him. If she had recognized him from the inn, perhaps she had a negative opinion of him because of the head priest in his escort. Constantine had spent many unnecessary hours wondering if perhaps he had done something at the inn and earned her contempt.

Nothing had come to mind. He had thought he had been helping defuse the situation after she spoke.

It wasnt like him to force relationships. His uncle had let him go to Lyce to experience a normal youth, have new encounters, and make friends his age. One wouldve thought that making new friends would be easy. He had had a good relationship with nearly everyone he met up until that point.

However, even as he thought that, Constantine knew that people were kind to him because of his uncle, the man who had adopted him, but most importantly, the man who was the current Pope of the Belcoy Church.

Before Constantine had set foot on campus, there were students and staff who had already known he was the son of the Pope. With such a title, however unofficial and powerless, other students were drawn to him. Many were curious, some were looking for favor, and others simply wanted to know someone famous...even if he didnt see himself as such.

The first girl to approach him had been Alessa Hart, a barons daughter from a small village in Anlar. She had rounded a corner in her rush to go to the baking club just as he was turning a corner to return to the dorm. The two had collided. Constantine, being the larger of the two, had stumbled back, but remained standing. Miss Hart had fallen back and her bag with some papers spilled on the ground.

Constantine had apologized and automatically knelt to help gather her things. She had introduced herself and from then on, would greet him whenever she saw him. He had thought she was a nice young lady and was polite in return, just as he was to everyone else. This formal politeness of his was drilled into him in Temple Mountain, but when he was faced with people his own age, Constantine had found that he had difficulty being informal.

He was used to addressing elders and acting older than his age because of the environment where he grew. If he threw tantrums or was disobedient, it would reflect badly on his uncle, and he couldnt allow that. Even when his uncle had assured him it was all right to be a little selfish and act like a child, Constantine wanted to fit in at Temple Mountain. Everyone always said he was well-behaved and mature for his age.

It had been bad enough that he was put on some strange pedestal as the Popes son, but he didnt act like his peers. Getting close to them had been more challenging than he thought, and when the First Year Excursion was announced, he was both hopeful and nervous.

Surprisingly, Miss Hart had invited him to join her First Year Excursion group.

At the time, while he had been well known amongst his classmates, most students were still politely distant and appeared hesitant to ask him. He had considered asking one of his classmates, but Miss Hart had appeared outside his class to ask, saying her group needed one more person.

Constantine had accepted and had been thrilled to be part of the group. This was his chance to make friends his age. He had become even more excited when he found out that two groups were going together. He had hardly slept on the wagon on their journey to Alpine Valley.

With a prince and his knight, the son of the Prime Minister, and a dukes son, Constantine had believed his status as the son of the Pope would be overlooked, and hed be treated like any other student in his group. He had imagined that any distance between him and his peers would diminish through the shared trials of camping.

Hed heard the guards of Temple Mountain talking about camaraderie forged through shared hardship. He had hoped the excursion wouldnt be dangerous, but also hoped for something to bring them closer together.

When they had arrived at Alpine Valley, all eyes had been drawn to the six students in matching clothing and gear. Constantine hadnt been able to shake the feeling that their bonding started before they left Lyce and as he watched them trek through the forest in a neat line, he felt some envy.

The young woman everyone had been speaking ill of was the leader of that group and she took care of them. She had prepared her friends for the hike well and they were at ease with her. She was the daughter of a marquis and most of them were commoners, yet she had been cooking their food.

That first night, Constantine had slept on the ground, curled up as close to the fire as he could get. He had ignored Prince Gideons annoyed grumbling and how he had called Tori selfish. Tori wasnt selfish; she just wasnt willing to let her friends be taken advantage of, even by the second prince of Soleil.

In fact, Constantine had thought it was rude to demand tents from another group when their group did not plan well enough and brought the situation on themselves. What he had thought was fair to ask about was something to eat, as they really had lost all their rations accidentally.

Constantine had made up his mind to ask Tori for food. The worst she could say was no and he wouldnt hold it against her. He had tried to be as casual about it as possible, knowing that if he seemed to beg, Prince Gideon would be upset and insist that they didnt need to beg from Toris group. Constantine had noticed Toris hesitation; she didnt want to give them any food, but she still had it prepared.

It was why when he had heard that she led groups across the river, helped an injured student, and then led them to the exit, he wasnt surprised.

He had almost wanted to laugh.

Victoria de Guevera, the girl everyone said was an arrogant idiot who abused her position and wealth, had a penchant for taking care of others.

At the end of the First Year Excursion, Constantine had noticed the distance between him, and others hadnt decreased. Except for Miss Hart, everyone continued to be amiable and polite, but werent what hed consider friends.

He couldnt help but wonder: what if he had joined Toris group?

He had noticed her more and more, and just before they left for winter break, fate let them cross paths once more. He was embarrassed about it now, but he had gathered his courage to buy her coffee in the hopes of getting to know her better. Her face had been so stunned, Constantine couldnt stay in front of her and fled as soon as he could.

His attempt to become familiar with her had backfired, as they didnt have much contact since.

Until the Lyce projects were issued, and Tori had approached him.

He remembered how his heart had been slamming against his chest when she spoke of the projects and asked if hed like to collaborate with her. He had tried so hard not to show his eagerness on his face and had been almost relieved when Miss Hart appeared, as it gave him a chance to calm down.

Part of him had expected Miss Hart to come to him, as he had heard her project had to do with an orphanage run by an abbey and it was well known that he had connections with the Belcoy Church. Miss Hart never seemed to shy away from approaching him, and he was thankful for her familiarity, but she was occasionally too familiar.

It was as if she was certain they were meant to be friends. That wasnt a terrible thing, but they always seemed to run into each other when there was some benefit to her. She had studied with them and sat with them for meals, but that was the extent of it. It was strange, but Constantine had felt that she was both sincere and insincere. He couldnt shake this feeling.

However, Tori had been quite clear about working together being mutually beneficial. From what he had observed of her, she wanted to do all she could to help the refugees.

Constantine had taken her invitation in a heartbeat, afraid that shed retract it. He had missed being in her excursion group; perhaps this was the gods giving him a second chance.

The morning theyd taken a walk in the encampment and had a long talk, he knew hed made the right choice. It was the first real time hed felt connected with someone his age. What was better: she seemed to not only understand him, but encourage him. Hed never forget how her eyes lit up and her voice grew excited when he told her about his interest and what he was considering doing with his life.

The only other person who listened to him like that was his uncle.

It didnt take long for him to be brought into her circle. Hed gone out to eat with them, played games late into the night, explored the city and the delta, and had the best tutor in the school on his side. Even when they were being respectful and formal with his name, it didnt seem to matter nor did their actions and speech feel politely distant.

They tried to include him as much as possible. They talked often: both serious, thoughtful topics and ridiculous ones. They danced, played, and ate together. He felt that they saw him as Constantine the teenager and not Constantine the Popes son. He relaxed around them and little by little, picked up their small mannerisms, joined in on their teasing, and, as his uncle would put it - acted his age.

Needless to say, he enjoyed every moment with his friends.

However, Tori was always a bit different. Something made him aware of her and he wasnt sure what, but he paid attention. She had made her thoughts and feelings clear, and they had settled on friendship, which he valued deeply. After all, she had been supportive when he told her about himself; of course, he would be supportive when she did the same.

Sometimes, Constantine felt satisfied. Who didnt want friends who screamed their names during a boat race and made them food?

Sometimes, Constantine wanted more.

Asking her to be his witness if he joined the church would make them family. She had agreed without hesitation, and he had seen the joy and surprise in her eyes when she agreed. She had felt it was an honor. He shouldve been satisfied with that. No matter what happened, they would be connected.

But in that moment, when he had buried his face on her slender shoulders and felt her arms around him, silently comforting him without question, he wanted one more memory of her. One memory that was different from the ones he had with others.

So, he had asked to kiss her. A small, desperate, and selfish request.

While he had been disappointed when she agreed to only a kiss on the cheek - a traditional and common greeting and parting act in his part of Sur, it was good enough.

It was embarrassing to admit that hed dreamt of his first kiss with her, but part of him didnt believe it would happen.

Until now.

It wasnt just her lips, it was everything. The comforting hand caressing and cupping his cheek; the whisper of her voice in his ear; and the scent of sweetened coffee mixed with the saltiness of the sea air around them. Her lips were warm and soft.

Constantine almost choked back a cry in surprise. Hed heard about this, but didnt expect it. What did he need to do? Did he have to reciprocate? He didnt know how. What if she hated it?

His wide eyes looked down at her face and could see her dark lashes. Her eyes were closed and so he shut his. He parted his lips and then....

Even though I cant give you anything more, I do care about you and will be here if you need me. Her hand brushed aside some of his hair that had fallen over his face. I hope you wont regret this.

Constantine blinked. It was over? Just like that? He just closed his eyes and it ended? He couldnt remember the rest of it!

He couldnt help but stare at her. I.... An affectionate and kind smile met him, and his eyes watered. This was more than he thought hed get, wasnt it? He never thought hed get such affection; he was raised in the most sacred of monasteries and there were very few people who had partners. He had assumed hed be one of those without. But this wasnt a bad memory to have; a bittersweet good-bye kiss to officially end his time in Lyce. Even if he wasnt completely satisfied, there was a resigned peacefulness. He gave her a small nod and smiled. I wont.

She nodded her head and cupped his cheek with her hand one last time. Work hard and take care of yourself. Good-bye, Constantine.

He took a deep breath and swallowed hard. His heart was full, but tight. He engraved her face in his mind. You, too. Good-bye, Tori.

In a daze, he turned around and headed up the gangway. He didnt notice the awkward silence or the stunned and somewhat horrified faces he left behind. Constantine didnt look back until he was on the deck of the ship.

Several faces looked up at him from the island.

Good friends are family that you are able to choose. His uncles words to him before he left for Lyce echoed in his head. You would be lucky to find them.

His hands shot to the railing, and he leaned forward. Take care of yourselves! He shouted as he raised a hand waved. The ship creaked as it pulled away. Ill see you in two years!

Various shouts came from the dock. Ewan jumped up and down as he waved with both arms in the air. Ilyana was wiping her eyes, and Sonia put her arm around Tori as she waved. JP, Henrik, and Albert shouted for him not to study too hard and to let them know when he finished his cloistered period.

I want to see Karap, so you have to show us around! Albert yelled. Constantine laughed and nodded.

Constantine took a step back and bowed his head. When he lifted it, he saw Prince Piers give him a small, acknowledging nod.

He walked along the port side of the ship, making his way to the stern so he could see his friends as long as possible. They didnt leave the island immediately. Their tiny figures remained until they melted into the island.

My boy, Bishop Florakis put a fatherly hand on his shoulder and gave him a small shake. You will see them again soon. Two years may seem long, but they will be over in an instant.

Was she really calling his mother to tattle? Yes. If he were some random, commoner kid, she wouldnt think of doing such a thing; however, Gideon was the second prince of Soleil. Legal adult or not, it was simply too dangerous for him to leave Horizon without a proper entourage. The imperial palace should know where he was for safety.

Tori? A surprised voice came from her comcry. Are you all right-

Mother, Gideon ran off last night and came to Viclya. Piers spoke into Toris comcry as she held it towards him.

What? When? Is he there right now? The confusion in her voice slowly became more annoyed with each word. Why was this not reported to me?

I will send him back immediately, Piers said.

What is he doing there? Did he at least come with knights?

He came with von Dorn and two imperial knights, Piers replied.

Piers! Axton shouted over and they looked at him. They didnt report him leaving Horizon to Captain Gaumond. He thought they were in the city as he said he was staying over at a friends to discuss his project.

Piers look darkened. It seems that his knights did not report his leave properly.

Tell him to come home now! And send more knights with him! The Empress sounded furious.

Piers looked back at his brother. Alessa looked worried. Your Highness, Your Majesty, this is my fault-

Who is that? Whos talking? Empress Monica asked, still irritated.

Baroness Hart.

There was a chilling silence on the other end. Send them to the imperial palace immediately. Her cold voice made Tori shudder. Shed never heard the Empress speak like that. The light on her comcry dimmed. The Empress ended the call and Tori lowered the device in her hand.

Did you order your knights to conceal your travel plans from Captain Gaumond? Piers asked in a low, dangerous voice.

Gideon swallowed. Yes.

Piers face hardened. He turned around and walked towards the boats in silence. Axton let out a low breath and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He shook his head and looked as if he wanted to say a word, but in the end, turned and followed Piers.

Gideon and Fabian looked at each other. Alessa looked at them, just as confused.

Who is Captain Gaumond? she asked.

It doesnt matter who he is, Tori said as she stood to the side and pointed towards the dock in a gesture to force them to leave. But because he prohibited his knights from reporting that he had left the city, they could lose their positions.

What? Gideon snapped his head up and stared at her. Youre lying! How would you know that?

I had to review security protocols for when you came here. Why would I lie?

Because you dont like me and are trying to frighten me.

If I wanted to frighten you, Id go to Piers! Tori retorted. Dont you understand? The only knight who ultimately answers to you is him. She pointed to Fabian. Thats why his title is personal knight. All the other imperial knights, even your escort knights, even Piers escort knights, ultimately answer to your father. Because they did not properly inform the palace of your whereabouts, they could lose their knighthood!

Any remaining color drained from Gideons face. He slowly shook his head. No...no-

Tori turned to Alessa. Why did you go to the second prince for help? You know he lacks the freedoms that lesser nobles and commoners have when it comes to movement. His safety in transit must always be taken into consideration because hes a prince.

He...hes the only one whod be able to bring me here, Alessa said in a quiet voice. I heard you cant get into Viclya unless youre a resident, worker, or have an invitation as a guest.

Tori narrowed her eyes and prodded. Thats true, but why did you bring Prince Gideon? What could he do?

I was told that imperial family members would be able to enter, Alessa replied quietly. Her eyes lowered and stared at the ground in front of her. I could only enter if he came with me.

Tori held back the raging question of if she knew what kind of danger she was putting Gideon in. She had a more urgent question. Who told you that?

Isnt it well known? Alessa looked at her, confused.

That depends. Who told you?

One of my acquaintances.

An acquaintance? Who?

One of the businesswomen who is investing in Chetterswickshire.

Toris eyes narrowed further. What. Is. Her. Name.

Alessa drew her head back and began to frown. Her arms moved in front of her, and she took a step back. I dont want to tell you.

What the fu- Why not?

You may poach them.

Are you fucking kidding me? Tori stared at her. She didnt want whatever merchant was doing business with Alessa. In fact, shed gone out of her way to avoid doing so.

Tori! Axton called from the dock. You go with Piers. Im going to sit with Prince Gideon. He glared at the second prince.

Tori took a deep breath and stood at the start of the dock. Please get on the second boat and Axton will escort you to the mainland. She could barely keep her voice steady.

First these idiots come in unexpectedly, then Alessa had some weird attempt to try to stay relevant to Constantine, and now they find out that Gideon may have unwittingly gotten two of his knights fired. And that was only if it were those two who knew what happened. If his other escort knights knew, the problem was even worse.

Tori and Piers boat pushed off from the island first and the two sat across from each other, both lost in thought.

What are the chances that his knights will be removed from service? Tori asked. She wasnt familiar with Gideons escort knights like she was with Piers. She knew all the names of Piers escort knights and had their comcrys registered on hers in case of an emergency.

Piers took a deep breath. Depending on how severe my father deems this, at best, theyd be demoted to a second-tier knight or sent for another four years of training. At worst, they will be stripped of their knighthood.

Tori let out a low hiss. What was he thinking? Didnt he know about this?

Even if my brother didnt know, the knights shouldve. The moment they realized they were leaving the city, they shouldve reported it at once, Piers said.

Tori ran a hand down her face. Its well known that Viclya is a closed settlement in Horizon, but the fact that immediate imperial family members are exempt from the closure shouldnt be well known. Kasey had found the exemption while looking for legal loopholes.

Piers cocked his head and gave her a curious look before looking down. Gideon couldnt have known. He is not as well-versed in Soleil law and rules as wed like.

Tori snorted. Obviously. Look what he did to his knights. And it wasnt your brother. Hart went to him because someone told her about the imperial familys exemption.

His lips tightened. Who told her?

I asked and she wouldnt tell me their name, only that theyre a merchant investing in Chetterswickshire. She glanced towards him. How would a merchant know about an arcane exemption that would have nothing to do with them?

Piers frowned more so. The concept of a closed settlement was also relatively unknown prior to Viclya, as such a procedure has become irrelevant now. It should stand that the only reason the concept of a closed settlement is known now is because word spread by nobles. An invitation and reservation to come to Viclya makes it exclusive.

And they use it to brag. Tori concluded. She already knew that; she had designed it that way.

The boat reached the promenade dock and Piers helped Tori out. As they walked towards the stairs, Piers spoke up. Do you think the reason Baroness Hart rushed here was for Mr. Zisos?

I thought it was, Tori said, solemn. But now, Im not so sure. They reached the promenade and several imperial knights from Piers' escort were waiting.

I called before we left the island, he told her. Sir Anderson, Sir Lloyd, Sir Fletcher, and Sir Wallenbach will escort my brother back. I will call for four more of my knights to take their place and come here.

All right. Have them keep a close eye on Hart and the others while they are here. Dont let them wander around. Keep them at the restaurant and then have them escorted back to their carriage.

Piers gave her a small nod, not questioning her suspicions, and went to speak to his knights. Tori headed towards the pergola where her friends were waiting for her.

Tori, why are all of the escort knights out? Albert asked as he looked around. They should be on rotation. At least a third of the escort knights sent by or escorting Piers werent on duty and shouldve still been resting.

They were likely dragged from their tents to deal with Gideon.

A few have to escort Prince Gideon back, by order of the Empress, Tori said as she rejoined her group.

Ewans eyes widened. Has he been arrested?

Finally, Sonia muttered.

Is that even possible? Henrik looked at his friend with uncertainty.

In a way, he is, Tori said. Its a long story and Im not sure if I can talk about it, but hes in trouble for being somewhere where hes not supposed to be.

JP almost sneered. Perhaps their friendship isnt weakening as much as we thought.

Or shes taking advantage of him. Again, Sonia replied.

Tori took a deep breath. Whatever the reason, they have to go back to the imperial palace immediately. Theyre going to eat breakfast at the restaurant and then go back. Just in case, keep an eye on them and make sure they, and whoever they came with, dont wander around. She turned around and looked towards the promenade gate leading to the dock. Gideon and his party appeared with Axton looming behind them, still frowning. Tori narrowed her eyes. I need to call my brother.Read latest chapters at novelhall.com Only